Description

The book of Daniel is a literary rich and complex story known for its apocalyptic style. Written in both Hebrew and Aramaic, the book begins with stories of Daniel and three Jewish young men Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego) who are exiles among the remnant from Judea in Babylon in sixth century b.c.e. It ends with Daniel's visions and dreams about the Jewish community that offer comfort and encouragement as they endure persecution and hope for deliverance into God's kingdom.

Newsom's commentary offers a fresh study of Daniel in its historical context. Newsom further analyzes Daniel from literary and theological perspectives. With her expert commentary, Newsom's study will be the definitive commentary on Daniel for many years to come.

The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of William P. Brown, Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia; Carol A. Newsom, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia; and Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

"This literate and learned book is the first major commentary on Daniel of the twenty-first century. It is distinguished from previous commentaries by the extensive treatment of the history of reception, but it also provides an informed and engaging treatment of the book in its ancient historical context."—John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation, Yale Divinity School

"Carol Newsom's work is a worthy successor to Norman Porteous's volume on Daniel, one of the great commentaries in the original Old Testament Library. Whereas Porteous wrote against the background of the biblical theology movement, Dr Newsom writes against the background of post-colonial study and interest in reception history, and her commentary is aware of those approaches to interpretation (it was an excellent move to get Brennan Breed to provide substantial studies of each chapter's reception history). Traditional critical questions about history and language also get thorough and judicious consideration. Serious students of Daniel in our twenty-first century context will profit hugely from this commentary."—John Goldingay, David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Carol Newsom's superb commentary on Daniel focuses on its central narrative—the quest to uncover the mysteries of heaven and understand the true nature of God's relationship with history and humanity. Supplementary sections by Brennan Breed outline the reception history of key themes of each chapter of Daniel from the ancient world to the present. The result is a brilliant exposition of the most enigmatic book in the Hebrew Bible that details its profound influence on Western culture and sheds new light on its meaning for readers both then and now."—Lorenzo DiTommaso, Professor of Religion, Concordia University, Montreal

"Carol Newsom has written a delightful new commentary on this peculiar book in the Bible. She guides her reader expertly through the historical context in ancient Israel and skillfully navigates the relevant ancient Near Eastern parallels, while being mindful of the considerable theological challenges Daniel poses. In her consideration of the scholarly literature Newsom is cautious when the evidence is insufficient or open to interpretation, yet decisive when conventional views need to be replaced. All of this will prove eminently helpful for Daniel's modern readers, the newcomer and the expert alike. What sets this commentary apart, however, is that Newsom does much more than merely provide useful information. Using her intimate knowledge of Second Temple Judaism, Newsom draws on multiple contexts to explain the biblical text: she routinely refers to other early Jewish apocalypses and relates them to Daniel, she cites from the Qumran library where Daniel was very popular, and she gives sufficient room to the reception history of Daniel in Judaism and Christianity, which is impressive. A fabulous new commentary for any reader who is looking for a critical engagement with the book of Daniel. This volume is deeply learned, yet easily accessible. It will soon become a standard tool for all interested in Daniel."—Matthias Henze, Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism, Founding Director, Program in Jewish Studies, Rice University